Dogs, like humans, may suffer from hearing loss, and if this fits your canine companion, you may be wondering whether hearing aids for dogs exist. And if you believe or know that your beloved canine companion is losing her hearing, you may be wondering whether there is anything you can do to help her hear again. (hearing aids Singapore)
Hearing devices for dogs have been under development since 1987, when Texas A&M University launched the first canine hearing loss testing laboratory.
Since then, efforts have been focused on developing a standardized, mass-market hearing aid that can be custom-fit to address canine hearing loss.
Despite the fact that no such product has yet been developed, researchers have learnt a great deal about canine hearing loss. Veterinarians have also devised new tests that allow them to customize hearing aids for dogs.
Why does a dog’s hearing deteriorate?
Hearing loss in dogs may occur for a variety of causes. Dogs’ deafness may be temporary or permanent.
A accumulation of earwax, other debris, or foreign things that have become stuck in the ear canal may cause temporary deafness. Temporary hearing loss may occur as a result of a significant ear infection or disease that causes ear canal enlargement.
Deafness that lasts a lifetime may be inherited (from birth). However, untreated ear infections, major ear injuries, the beginning of neurological illnesses, tumor growth, drug or chemical responses, and the natural processes of aging may all lead to lifelong deafness.
Deafness-prone dog breeds
Deafness is a recognized hereditary risk in several dog breeds, and it is more common in purebred dog breeds, such as (but not limited to) the following:
Border Collie, American Foxhound, Old English Sheepdog, Norwegian Dunker Hound, Samoyed, Greyhound, Great Pyrenees, Sealyham Terrier, Beagle, Bulldog, Dappled Dachshund, Shetland Sheepdog, and Shropshire Terrier
In reality, hereditary (congenital) deafness may affect more than 80 canine breeds to varied degrees.
The coat and eye color (pigment) of a dog are positively related with the probability of deafness in specific breeds. Dogs with blue eyes or white coats, for example, may have a higher hereditary risk of deafness. In addition, if one of the parents is deaf, the pups are more likely to be deaf as well.
Specific color genes, such as the merle or piebald color genes, may suggest an increased hereditary risk for canine deafness in certain dog breeds.
But keep in mind that just because your dog’s breed has a greater risk of deafness or hearing loss does not indicate your dog will be deaf!
How to Evaluate a Dog’s Hearing
Canine deafness is now defined as a partial or total loss of hearing in dogs. A variety of hearing tests have been devised to assist assess whether or not a dog is deaf or is on the verge of becoming deaf.
There are various symptoms that your dog is losing his hearing that you should be aware of. When your dog begins to display any of the following symptoms:
- For no apparent reason, the dog is barking more.
- The head is cocked.
- Failure to reply when their name is called or when standard orders are given.
- There is a steady decrease in activity.
- It’ll be more difficult to rouse your dog from his slumber.
- A jittery or aggressive temperament.
- An increase in attention over time.
If you suspect your dog is losing his hearing, the first step is to take him to the veterinarian for an ear examination. Your veterinarian may also run a variety of tests to determine whether or not your dog can hear and, if so, what decibel levels he can hear in.
These are the three most well-known canine hearing tests:
The BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test measures how well the brainstem responds to sound.
The BAER test was the first “gold standard” hearing test for dogs. This test measures how a dog’s brain reacts to auditory signals using non-invasive electrodes. It’s also known as the ABR, or Auditory Brainstem Response, test in dogs.
The BAER test is the sole accepted method for diagnosing congenital deafness, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (deafness present from birth). This test is usually performed when the dog is at least 35 days old.
The DPOAE (Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions) test measures the distortion product of otoacoustic emissions.
This more recent canine auditory function test is a modified version of a human hearing test. This test utilizes a sequence of tones that, when played within the ear, produce a response (distortion) tone. The intensity of the return tone informs researchers whether or not a dog can hear at that frequency and, if so, how well.
The test requires the implantation of sensors under the skin, which is not always necessary or desirable.
TEOAE (Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions) is a test that measures otoacoustic emissions.
This relatively new test is most typically used to determine if a baby has congenital deafness. It makes use of non-invasive testing procedures and may be done on sleepy pups without causing them any pain.
This testing approach has been utilized in an experimental setting since 2011, although it has yet to be widely adopted.
Is it possible for dogs to obtain hearing aids?
You’re probably wondering whether they manufacture hearing aids for dogs at this point. Yes and no are the answers.
Hearing aids for dogs are available, however they are presently custom-fit. Often, a human hearing aid is adapted for usage with dogs.
There have also been studies looking towards the development of permanent middle ear implant-based hearing aids for dogs.
Such study has been restricted to date, with just a few canine research volunteers. The practicality and health concerns of these sorts of hearing aids for dogs need further investigation.
Hearing aids for deaf dogs are cover by pet insurance.
Whether you have pet insurance, you should check with your provider to see if hearing aids for deaf dogs are cover.
In certain circumstances, coverage was said to be available for both traditional “over-the-ear” hearing aids and inner ear hearing implants for dogs.
Hearing aids for dogs: How Much do they cost?
Inner ear implants are a sort of long-term hearing aid for dogs that is surgically implant in the ear. The typical cost range for human hearing implants is $20,000 to $25,000. While there is inadequate research to determine with confidence a cost range for these implants, the general cost range for human hearing implants is $20,000 to $25,000.
This does not cover the expense of both you and your dog’s post-surgical training.
Hearing aids for dogs that are worn over the ear are more affordable, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. These sorts of hearing aids for dogs need a mold of your dog’s ear being made by your veterinarian, who will then fit the hearing aid to your dog.
Is it safe to use hearing aids on dogs?
The startle reflex is perhaps the most well-known health danger connect with canine deafness. When startled, a deaf dog is more likely to startle, particularly if awoken quickly. This might result in a serious biting response for the owners and their family.
Dogs are also at risk since they are unable to detect danger indicators such as the sound of oncoming traffic.
Hearing aid dangers
However, hearing aids for dogs have certain disadvantages. Over-the-ear hearing aids may not be comfortable for dogs. Defiance or self-mutilation may occur.
Surgical risks for permanent implantation hearing aids for dogs include bleeding, infection, poor healing, and anesthetic reaction.
Deafness is frequently (but not always) connected to age, making the affected dog less able to recover after surgery.
Consult your veterinarian and a canine audiologist to determine whether your dog is a candidate for hearing aids. Hand signals, light signals, vibration collars, and other non-invasive communication devices are intending to improve dogs’ quality of life.
Deafness in dogs may affect either one or both ears, just as it does in humans. In one or both ears, deafness may be present consistently or in variable degrees.
Canine hearing aids
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